Everybody is raving about
Saints quarterback Drew Brees being the midseason
choice as the league's MVP. I have a vote, and
Washington running back Clinton Portis has mine
right now. Yes, Brees has a shot at breaking Dan
Marino's single-season yardage mark, but there's
more to winning this award than stats.
The Saints are an exciting team, but are hovering
around .500 and might miss the playoffs. The Redskins,
like the Titans, are one of the season's shockers so
far. And, no one, including a no-interception-throwing
Jason Campbell or first-year coach Jim Zorn, has done
more for Washington's 6-2 record than Portis.
Granted, Portis can be viewed as a diva — an
unflattering term generally reserved for quarterbacks
and receivers — but he has produced consistently
this season.
Heck, Monday night against the Steelers, Portis will
shoot for his sixth straight game with at least 120
yards rushing, potentially tying a streak accomplished
by the Rams' Eric Dickerson in his famous 1984 season.
Heading into Week 9, Portis led the NFL with 944 yards
rushing with seven touchdowns and a 5.0 yards-per-carry
average. He was also the leader in first downs, with
52, two more than Mr. Cowboy, Marion Barber.
Portis can be a hothead and that's why Broncos coach
Mike Shanahan traded him to Washington in exchange for
stud cornerback Champ Bailey. But no one can argue with
his production and physical toughness. Portis runs hard
inside and he has the burst to bounce outside for long
gains. On the field, you can count on Portis to
deliver.
Now, he can be a bit of a problem child. Granted, he's
no angel like Barry Sanders was for the Lions. His
pride can get in the way of the team, but I sense that
he's learning his lessons this year.
A few games back, Zorn allowed Portis to call a
game-changing play in the fourth quarter. Of course,
last week Zorn and Portis had a heated sideline
exchange when the coach kept backup Shaun Alexander in
the game. Basically, Zorn didn't like Portis running
onto the field once his helmet was fixed, simply doing
as he pleases.
Portis called the incident a miscommunication. "I take
it personally and I shouldn't have," he said. "I have
to [be] accountable to my teammates. It was blown out
of proportion. Coach was excited and I was excited."
It may seem tame on television, but an NFL sideline can
be a confusing place, especially for a new head coach.
Zorn was told by running backs coach Stump Mitchell
that Portis was ready to go. He figured Portis was in
the huddle and called a play for him. Instead,
Alexander was running with the ball. Zorn said he was
surprised to see that. Then, Portis ran on to the field
and when Zorn saw that, he took him out of the game.
Zorn explained that he didn't want any of his players
thinking they can go on the field whenever they feel
like it.
That's when the argument ensued.
Bottom line is that Zorn did want Portis on the field.
It's just that he wasn't ready when he was supposed to
be. So, what's wrong with him going out there when he
was ready?
Yes, Zorn and Portis are still sorting out the bugs in
their football relationship. It makes for great Sunday
television. But the bottom line is that right now,
Portis is playing at an MVP level. If he keeps it up,
the Redskins should be in the playoffs and Zorn will be
competing with coaches like Jeff Fisher, Dick Jauron
and Mike Smith for Coach of the Year.
(foxsports.com)